The Centers for Disease Control

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC), a respected federal agency that enjoys a worldwide reputation for its successful assaults against infectious disease, has broadened its programmatic scope to include disease that is related to the environment, occupational health hazards, and the promotion of health. The CDC's new charter, which will inevitably make it a more controversial agency, stems from a congressional mandate; the zeal of its director, Dr. William H. Foege, for a broad definition of disease prevention; and the strong support of two recent secretaries of Health and Human Services — Republican Richard S. Schweiker and Democrat Joseph A. . . .